Carissa Casey shares her makeup picks for Christmas and the New Year

It’s hard to know quite what Christmas will bring this year. At time of writing, more restrictions were in the offing. That said, I’m determined not to slump on the sofa barefaced and bored. Yup I’ll be glamming up even if it’s only for a walk by the sea and a freezing coffee at the shoreline.

I’ve long been a fan of Huda Beauty’s eyeshadows, with more palettes than I care to admit to owning. But I’ve found room for one more – the lovely Rose Quartz palette which comes in beautiful shades of pink and caramel with all sorts of delicious textures. I’ve worn the pale pink matte for a casual daytime look and gone for all out glitter for a night on the town (here's hoping).

Winter skin needs a little enlivening so blush and brighteners are a must, although it’s important not to overdo it.

Remember it’s your face, not a Christmas bauble. Nars Orgasm blush nails it. A hero product for a steal – the new Rimmel Wonder Extensions Mascara comes in brown/black and very black. It contains some kind of polymer that really does lengthen the lashes. The brown/ black is perfect for a day time look with a little brown eyeliner along the lash line.

And finally, a word about makeup brushes. I’ve made all sorts of resolutions about cleaning mine regularly. I’ve even bought a gadget that whirls them around for quick drying.

It improved my form somewhat but I still find myself reaching for a brush that would make the calmest dermatologist have a conniption. And that’s why I love Irish brand, Ella & Jo’s brush cleaner. You simply spray the brush, rub on a piece of tissue and voila! It’s clean. At €20 a pop, it’s a perfect stocking filler for the fellow makeup lovers in your life.

1> ELLA & JO COSMETICS Squeaky Clean Brush Cleaner €20, visit ellaandjo.ie

2> RIMMEL Wonder Extension Mascara €12, widely available

3> HUDA BEAUTY Rose Quartz Eyeshadow Palette €67, visit hudabeauty.com

4> NARS Unwrapped Orgasm Blush Duo €44, visit narscostmetics.ie